¡Bienvenidos! If you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country or engaging in a Spanish conversation about the weather, it’s essential to know how to express temperature in Spanish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the formal and informal ways of conveying temperature, including useful tips, examples, and a few common regional variations. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of temperature expressions in Spanish, shall we?
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Temperature
When it comes to expressing temperature in formal settings or communicating with people you don’t have a close relationship with, it’s best to use formal expressions. Here are some phrases to get you started:
1. Hace calor
One of the most common phrases to express “It’s hot” is “Hace calor.” This simple yet effective expression is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions. Use it when the temperature is high, and you want to emphasize the heat.
2. Hace frío
Conversely, when it’s chilly or cold, you can say “Hace frío.” It’s important to note that in Spanish, “hace” (literally meaning “makes”) is used to indicate weather conditions. Pair it with “calor” or “frío” accordingly.
3. La temperatura es…
When you want to provide an actual temperature reading in a formal manner, you can use “La temperatura es…” followed by the degrees in Celsius or Fahrenheit. For example, “La temperatura es 25 grados Celsius” means “The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.”
Informal Expressions for Temperature
In more casual and relaxed situations, such as talking to friends or family, you can use these informal expressions to discuss the temperature:
1. Está haciendo calor
Similar to “Hace calor,” you can say “Está haciendo calor” to convey “It’s hot.” This expression adds a sense of ongoing action and implies that the heat is still present.
2. Está frío
When it’s cold, you can simply say “Está frío.” This informal expression is commonly used to describe chilly weather conditions among friends and relatives.
3. Hace un frío que pela
If you want to express extreme cold, you can use the colloquial expression “Hace un frío que pela.” This phrase is often used figuratively, indicating very low temperatures with an emphasis on discomfort.
Talking About Specific Temperatures
Now that we’ve covered the basic expressions, let’s explore how to discuss specific temperatures in Spanish:
1. Below Freezing
To convey temperatures below freezing, you can say “Por debajo de cero” (Below zero) or use the phrase “Hace mucho frío” (It’s very cold). In some regions, you might also hear “Hace un frío polar” (It’s polar cold).
2. Comfortable Temperatures
When the temperature is pleasant or comfortable, you can say “La temperatura es agradable” (The temperature is pleasant) or use expressions like “Está a una temperatura perfecta” (It’s at a perfect temperature).
3. Extremely Hot Temperatures
In scorching heat, where the temperature soars, you can say “Hace un calor sofocante” (It’s suffocatingly hot) or use the popular expression “Hace un calor de mil demonios” (It’s as hot as a thousand devils).
4. Gradual Temperature Changes
To describe gradual temperature changes, such as “It’s getting colder,” you can use “Está bajando la temperatura” (The temperature is dropping). Similarly, for rising temperatures, use “Está subiendo la temperatura” (The temperature is rising).
Regional Variations
While the aforementioned expressions are understood and used across Spanish-speaking regions, there are a few noteworthy regional variations we should take into account:
1. Spain
In Spain, you may encounter variations such as “Hace fresco” (It’s cool), which is used to describe mild temperatures. Additionally, instead of “grados Celsius,” Spaniards often use “grados centígrados” to refer to Celsius.
2. Latin America
In some Latin American countries, it’s common to use the term “temperatura ambiente” to refer to the room temperature. Moreover, “caluroso(a)” can be used as a synonym for “caliente” (hot) in several regions.
Tip: Remember to observe the local context and adapt your language accordingly to ensure better communication and comprehension.
Armed with the knowledge of formal and informal expressions, specific temperature discussions, and a few regional variations, you’re now well-prepared to engage in conversations about the weather and temperature in Spanish. Practice using these phrases and adapt them to suit various contexts and situations you encounter.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and making an effort to communicate in someone else’s language is always appreciated. ¡Buena suerte y disfruta del aprendizaje del español! (Good luck and enjoy learning Spanish!)
